The New York Times bestselling ”epic feminist fantasy perfect for fans of Game of Thrones” (Bustle).A world divided.A queendom without an heir.An ancient enemy awakens.The House of Berethnet has ruled Inys for a thousand years. Still unwed, Queen Sabran the Ninth must conceive a daughter to protect her realm from destruction–but assassins are getting closer to her door. Ead Duryan is an outsider … destruction–but assassins are getting closer to her door.
Ead Duryan is an outsider at court. Though she has risen to the position of lady-in-waiting, she is loyal to a hidden society of mages. Ead keeps a watchful eye on Sabran, secretly protecting her with forbidden magic.
Across the dark sea, Tané has trained all her life to be a dragonrider, but is forced to make a choice that could see her life unravel.
Meanwhile, the divided East and West refuse to parley, and forces of chaos are rising from their sleep.
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A masterpiece of intricate world-building with the depth, complexity, heart and soul of a timelessly relevant classic. Brilliant, diverse, feminist, subversive, thought-provoking and masterfully told, The Priory of the Orange Tree is epic fantasy at its finest. The scope of the book is staggering, as is Shannon’s deft command of language. The Priory of the Orange Tree is an absolute must-read and on my permanent keeper shelf.
A brilliant, daring, and devastating jewel . . . An incredible world full of depth and danger, with characters I would follow to the ends of the earth. I’m in awe of Shannon’s talent.
This magnificent epic of queens, dragonriders, and badass secret wyrm-slaying priestesses is a tour de force, and my new absolute favorite epic fantasy.
Settle in and get ready for a fantasy binge. This vast and grand book covers a world of adventures and characters, literally. I loved the grand sweep of the story, the flawed characters, the twists and turns. If you like great fantasy reads, you’ll love this one.
The priory of the orange tree is simply extraordinary. It’s just a bit long but for the rest, everything is perfect. You can follow the story from many points of view and the world is magical.
When I heard about this being written and released I was excited, I enjoyed her other series and I was looking forward to this. Since it is such a long book I waited till I knew I have time to read it.
I finally had the time and I picked it up, I figured there is some word building and such but h boy was I in for a surprise. There was so, so much and it was just overwhelming.
So I figured since I have a free credit on audible I get the audio book and maybe that will help….. it did not . I was just so confused for about the first 200 some pages.
There was just so many people and even more things happening on different spots in their world.
I did finally start catching on for the most part and ended up enjoying it, well more than I thought I would. I switched between audio and hardcover so I got it done fairly quickly.
The audio in my opinion was okay, often the dialect or accent was super thick and string and it made it hard to understand and I had to go back to the book to check to make sure I didn’t miss much.
Overall, I thought it was okay, definitely way too much world building for me though, also some things were overly described and others not at all if a little.
I liked most of the characters/dragons and the relationships in this book
I have a hard time rating this book, I liked some and the aspect of the book but I disliked the intro into the book/ world. It was long and confusing.
So I think I go with 2.5 maybe at some point I will reread it and enjoy it more.
The world building in this book is five-star. Rich, detailed, and thorough. This is a textbook in how to build a world. That, however, was also its downfall. There was so much world and detail that the technique of storytelling got lost in those rich details. What I struggled with in this story was that the characters weren’t very likable (even though I really wanted to like them). I was bored. It took me until page 400 (of this 800 page tome) to feel connected. I forced myself to finish this book because I’d invested so much time in it, but it won’t be a book I read again.
An astonishing achievement.
Loved it! “Priory of the Orange Tree” truly puts the epic in epic fantasy.
Not only was it pleasantly diverse for this type of fantasy book, but Niclays’ PoV was male and queer and mean and old and bitter and drunk, so I found it very relatable.
It is a dense novel, not only in page count (804!) but also in world building, so it took me a hot minute to get into things, especially the court side of the story following Ead. But once I got into it, it was SO good *chef’s French kiss*
I wasn’t always too bothered about Tané’s side of the story, but her story grew on me at the halfway point, and I thought her conclusion was one of the stronger ones.
Loth was a treat to read, and the losses he suffered was some of the hardest to read.
An all around epic read, 10/10 would recommend!
Wonderful epic fantasy world-building with a slow burn f/f romance. I loved this take on dragons, combining Western and Eastern myths.
Make way for the next JRR Tolkien here, everybody! Those 800 pages have been daunting, but sooo worth it. The world building is unheard of these days, and to make it easy to read at the same time is INSANE. The first few chapters I was thinking “oh boy, this is a lot of names and descriptions, will this keep my attention enough?” This feeling did not last long. I was glued to the book from 10% in, staying up half the night to read more. Best decision I made was to read this!
I was seeking something like The Name of the Wind only with women in the lead and BOY was I not disappointed in this book that was recommended to me. Highly original and creative a must read if you like fantasy, magic, and powerful women!
“Some truths are safe buried. Some castles best kept in the sky. There’s promise in tales that are yet to be spoken.”
The Priory of Orange Tree is not a read, it is an experience to be had. It felt like the author had composed several books into one, the complexity of the world, cultures, characters and the perspectives is immense. Yet the way it blends into one another is immaculate. The way the author has used the language to create network of relationships and choices, that affect characters miles away.
The true strength of women in shown in this book. Ead, Sabran and Tane stole my heart. They showed such resilience, when their faith is questioned and its foundations shaken, and when the weight of their world was resting on their shoulders.
The male protagonists did not disappoint either. Arteloth was so inspiring, with his open-mind and his tolerance. Nicalys Roos resonated in way, by showing his weakness and being humane.
After finishing it, it took a moment to come out of its thrall, like waking up from a fantastical dream. Simply putting it, the book is magnificent.
I can’t seem to write a summary, just read the book.
Recommend: Yes!! If you are looking for an involved door-stopper this is a great one!
Note: Spoilers ahead.
Pros:
So many women! It is a feminist retelling of ‘Saint George and the Dragon’ after all but dang it is still fun. This book has everything: dragons, lesbians, mages, secret lineages, intertwined religions, witches, DRAGONS, ace dragon riders, platonic friendships, POC characters in positions of power. Ead and Saban’s relationship is hinted out and develops organically and they play off each other well. Loved the East – the world building over there was fantastic. Tane’s ambition is palpable and her single-mindedness is both one of her greatest assets and struggles. Roos spends much of the book in a self-serving haze, on his path to realize that he must find the will to live again. He is an excellent character living in a morally gray area where half the time you want him to succeed and the other half you are hoping he gets whats coming to him. The world building is well done – different cultures have different quirks and reasons behind them. I love the background story of the people their religions are based on. The chapters are short enough and the switching perspectives keep the story from getting bogged down.
Cons:
Not a lot. It is long but that is needed for a book of this world building. Would have liked more of a relationship build between Ead and Tane at the end. Their backgrounds are at stark odds with each other. Watching them build a respectful relationship would have been rewarding. It happens quickly. But that is just nit-picking.
This book has had so many reviews, I’m sure I’m not adding anything to the debate. But, suffice to say, if you like long fantasy books with epic world building, and you want the extra delight of a wlw romance in it, this is the book for you. I couldn’t put it down, and the numerous twists and turns had me gasping out loud. There’s good people, evil people, magic, love, dragons – it’s got it all, and I highly recommend.
“Truth is a weave of many threads”
…and a book this big to take it all in! Samantha Shannon said it took her 3 years to write this epic, and each line is as crafted as the jewels that shine throughout the book. From the faith of the Sisters of the Priory to those deemed worthy to be dragon riders; from the queen whose reign will end a thousand year dynasty to love that breaks bonds and traditions, this is truly high fantasy that whispers faintly towards our reality in the days of coronavirus.
The stories of Sabran, Ead, Loth, Meg, Tane and the ones who love and care for them are carefully woven and in spots undone and rewoven to take you on a journey you will never forget. I first heard of this book a year ago when a blogger friend posted a picture of this massive book. It took months before I was able to borrow it from the library. Twice more I borrowed it before I could actually set aside enough time to give it my full attention. And now, I want to own a copy and am on a search for one. Thank you Samantha Shannon for taking me on a journey I will never forget! Highly Recommended 5/5
This book was phenomenal. Grabbed me by the throat from the word go and didn’t let go through the crazy long journey (bonus: it’s a standalone!). The worldbuilding was just as lush as the characters, and it has a little of everything I love. Dragons! Secret assassin-type matriarchal magic wielders! Dragon riders! One of the best paladin-type characters I’ve ever read (which isn’t normally my jam, but Loth is excellent). Also, it’s super queer. If you’re jonesing for some high fantasy, you’ll want to add this to the list!
Great listen on audio book!
Love good fantasy, and this was one.
An epic adventure from one side of the realm to the other, dragons, heroes, Queens and peasants fight for each other, for the world against an evil poised to return with only one purpose, to burn the world to the ground. A lot of information in the beginning, a little confusing, but I hung in there determined to enjoy it and at some point it just kind of flowed. Once you get to know all the players and where they are and what they bring to the story it really picks up and I honestly enjoyed it. Love, hate, religion and intolerance really shine through. I was really pleased with the ending, though I might have liked a little more info to round at the conclusion, but all in all its a solid 4 1/2 stars for me